Apparatus and method for manufacturing electrode assembly

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus (1) for manufacturing an electrode assembly, the apparatus including a unit cell supply unit (10) including a cartridge (100) in which one or more unit cells (700) are stacked in a first direction, and a static electricity eliminator (200) for removing static electricity from the unit cells (700) stacked in the cartridge (100). Each unit cell (700) includes one or more electrodes (710) and one or more separators (720) alternately stacked in a first direction. The static electricity eliminator (200) comprises a contact body (210) made of an electrically conductive material, the contact body being in contact with an electrode tab (714) of at least one electrode (710) of each of one or more unit cells (700) stacked in the cartridge (100) in order to discharge static electricity in the unit cells (700). The electrode tab (714) protrudes in one of second directions crossing the first direction, and the contact body (210) is provided on one side of the electrode tab (714) in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0068090, filed on June 3, 2022, and all contents disclosed in that patent application document are incorporated as a part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly capable of individually taking out and supplying unit batteries stacked in a magazine. Background Art

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be charged and discharged, unlike primary batteries that cannot be charged. These secondary batteries are used as power sources in small high-tech electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, and notebook computers, as well as in energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVs), or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch (battery box). A pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and a pouch (battery box) that accommodates the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes one or more unit cells, and each of the unit cells has a structure in which electrodes and separators are alternately stacked.

[0005] Meanwhile, the electrode assembly is manufactured using an apparatus for manufacturing the electrode assembly, which includes a magazine in which one or more unit batteries are stacked, and a transport unit that absorbs the one or more unit batteries stacked in the magazine and then stacks them at a predetermined position.

[0006] However, when the apparatus for manufacturing the electrode assembly adsorbs the unit batteries stacked at the top of the magazine, there is a problem that two or more unit batteries stacked at the top of the magazine are taken out together due to static electricity. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues to be solved

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, which can individually take out and supply unit batteries stacked in a magazine.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, which has a simple structure and configuration and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly which does not cause damage or deformation of unit cells and does not adhere foreign matter.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, which provides simple and easy operation.

[0012] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned purpose, and other purposes and advantages of the present invention that are not described can be understood by the following description and will be more clearly understood by the examples of the present invention. In addition, it is obvious that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be embodied by the methods and combinations thereof pointed out in the claims.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a unit battery supply unit 10 and a unit battery transport unit 50 .

[0015] The unit battery supply unit 10 may include a magazine 100 and an anti-static unit 200 .

[0016] One or more unit batteries 700 may be stacked in the magazine 100 along the first direction.

[0017] The anti-static unit 200 may be placed adjacent to the magazine 100 .

[0018] The anti-static unit 200 may remove static electricity from at least one unit cell among the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 .

[0019] The unit battery transport unit 50 may take out from the magazine 100 and transport one or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 .

[0020] Each of the one or more unit cells 700 may include one or more electrodes 710 and one or more separators 720 .

[0021] One or more electrodes 710 and one or more separators 720 may be alternately stacked along the first direction.

[0022] One or more electrodes 710 and one or more separators 720 may be coupled to each other along the first direction.

[0023] The anti-static unit 200 may include a contact body 210 made of a conductive material.

[0024] The contact body 210 contacts at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 by contacting the electrode tab 714 of each electrode of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each unit cell in at least one of the one or more unit cells to release static electricity from at least one of the one or more unit cells 700.

[0025] The electrode tab 714 of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 protrudes in one of the second directions crossing the first direction.

[0026] The contact body 210 may be disposed at one side of the electrode tab 714 in the second direction.

[0027] In one embodiment, the unit battery transport unit 50 may take out the unit batteries 700 from the magazine 100 and transport the unit batteries 700 stacked at one end of the magazine 100 in the first direction.

[0028] The one or more unit batteries 700 may include the unit batteries 700 stacked at one end portion in the first direction among the one or more unit batteries 700 in the magazine 100 .

[0029] In one embodiment, each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 may include a body 712 and an electrode tab 714 .

[0030] The body 712 may be coupled to one or more partitions 720 along a first direction.

[0031] The electrode tab 714 may protrude more than the body 712 and one or more separators 720 coupled to the body 712 in one of the second directions.

[0032] The electrode tab 714 may be coupled to the body 712 .

[0033] In one embodiment, at least one unit cell among the one or more unit cells 700 may be a plurality of unit cells 700 .

[0034] The contact body 210 may extend in the first direction to contact an electrode tab 714 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 , wherein the electrode tab 714 protrudes more than the body 712 and the one or more separators 720 in one of the second directions.

[0035] In one implementation, the contact body 210 may contact the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 in the second direction.

[0036] The body 712 of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 may include an overlapping portion P that overlaps with the electrode tab 714 connected to the body 712 along the third direction when projected vertically onto any plane extending along the second direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0037] A distance D along the second direction between an overlapping portion P of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 and the contact body 210 may be shorter than a length L along the second direction of an electrode tab 714 of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700.

[0038] In one embodiment, a value obtained by subtracting the distance D from the length L may be greater than zero and equal to or less than 1 / 15 of the length L.

[0039] In one embodiment, the contact body 210 and the electrode tab 714 may be made of the same material.

[0040] In one embodiment, the contact body 210 may be grounded.

[0041] In one embodiment, the anti-static unit 200 may further include a blower type ion generator 220 .

[0042] The blower type ion generator 220 may generate ions and blow ionized air containing the generated ions toward one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to remove static electricity from at least one unit cell among the one or more unit cells 700 .

[0043] In one embodiment, the unit battery transport unit 50 may take out from the magazine 100 and transport one unit battery 700 disposed at one end portion in the first direction of one or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 .

[0044] The blower type ionizer 220 may blow ionized air toward at least one unit cell 700 disposed at one end portion of one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 in the first direction.

[0045] In one embodiment, the blower type ionizer 220 may include a first blower type ionizer 222 , a second blower type ionizer 224 , and a third blower type ionizer 226 .

[0046] The first blower type ion generator 222 may be disposed at one side of the one or more unit cells 700 in a third direction crossing the first direction and the second direction, and blow ionized air toward the one or more unit cells 700 .

[0047] The second blower type ionizer 224 may be disposed at the other side of the one or more unit cells 700 in the third direction and blow ionized air toward the one or more unit cells 700 .

[0048] The third blower type ionizer 226 may be disposed at the other side of the one or more unit cells 700 in the second direction and blow ionized air toward the one or more unit cells 700 .

[0049] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly, which includes a unit cell supplying step of individually taking out and supplying one or more unit cells 700 stacked in a magazine 100 .

[0050] In the unit cell supplying step, the contact body 210 may make contact with the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 .

[0051] Beneficial Effects

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus 1 for manufacturing an electrode assembly may include a cell supply unit 10, the cell supply unit 10 including: a material box 100 having one or more cells 700 stacked therein in a first direction; and an antistatic unit 200 arranged adjacent to the material box 100 and removing static electricity from at least one of the one or more cells 700 stacked in the material box 100. Each of the one or more cells 700 may include one or more electrodes 710 and one or more separators 720 alternately stacked in the first direction and combined with each other in the first direction. The antistatic unit 200 may include a contact body 210 made of a conductive material, wherein the contact body 210 contacts at least one of the one or more cells 700 by contacting an electrode tab 714 of each of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the at least one of the one or more cells 700 to discharge static electricity from at least one of the one or more cells 700.

[0053] Therefore, the contact body 210 as a conductor contacts and electrically connects at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 (conductors) of each unit cell in at least one unit cell among the one or more unit cells 700, so that the static electricity of the unit cells 700 is effectively discharged.

[0054] Specifically, since the contact body 210 as a conductor contacts and is electrically connected to the electrode 710 as a conductor, the static electricity of the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged. In addition, even when the separator 720 of the unit cell 700 is made of an insulating material different from the electrode 710, the static electricity of the separator 720 can be effectively discharged by the electrode 710 coupled to the separator 720. Therefore, even when the contact body 210 contacts the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700, the static electricity of the entire unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged.

[0055] Therefore, since the static electricity of the unit battery 700 can be effectively reduced, two or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the material box 100 can be prevented from being taken out together. That is, it is possible to take out and supply one or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the material box 100 separately. Therefore, it is possible to prevent manufacturing defects of the electrode assembly due to simultaneous taking out and transportation of two or more unit batteries 700, and it is possible to prevent the interruption of the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly caused by one or more unit batteries 700 falling during transportation and blocking sensors such as cameras.

[0056] In particular, when the unit cell 700 is a half-cell in which the separator 720, the electrode 710, and the separator 720 are stacked, each of the plurality of half-cells stacked in the magazine 100 can be individually taken out of the magazine 100 and transported even after long-term storage due to the effective discharge of the static electricity of the plurality of half-cells. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the manufacturing defect of the electrode assembly caused by the two or more half-cells being taken out and transported from the magazine 100 due to the static electricity generated during long-term storage, and the two or more half-cells being stacked on top of the laminate, wherein a plurality of single cells having a stacking structure of the separator 720, the electrode 710, the separator 720, and the electrode 710 are stacked in the laminate. In addition, it is possible to prevent the interruption of the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly caused by the two or more half-cells falling during the removal and transportation of the magazine 100 due to the static electricity generated due to long-term storage, thereby blocking sensors such as cameras.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a unit battery transport unit 50 may be further included, which takes out and transports one unit battery 700 disposed at one end along the first direction of one or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 from the magazine 100. The contact body 210 may contact at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of one unit battery 700 disposed at one end along the first direction of one or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0058] Therefore, when the unit battery transport unit 50 takes out and transports the unit battery 700 disposed at one end (e.g., upper end) of the stacked one or more unit batteries 700 in the first direction, static electricity of at least the unit battery 700 at one end in the first direction is released by the contact body 210, thereby preventing the unit battery transport unit 50 from simultaneously taking out and transporting two or more unit batteries 700 disposed at one end in the first direction of the stacked one or more unit batteries 700. Therefore, each unit battery in the one or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually taken out and supplied.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 may include a body 712 coupled to a separator 720 in a first direction, and an electrode tab 714 coupled to the body 712 and protruding more outward than the body 712 and the separator 720 coupled to the body 712. The contact body 210 may contact the electrode tab 714 of the electrode 710 of each unit cell of at least one unit cell among the one or more unit cells 700 to discharge static electricity from the unit cell 700.

[0060] Therefore, the contact body 210 as a conductor can contact the electrode tab 714 protruding outward to be simply and easily electrically connected to the electrode 710. Therefore, since the structure of the contact body 210 can be simplified, the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the contact body 210 and the equipment for manufacturing the electrode assembly can be reduced.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the contact body 210 contacts the plurality of unit cells 700 by contacting the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one electrode of one or more electrodes 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700. The electrode tab 714 of each of at least one electrode of one or more electrodes 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 may protrude more toward one of the second directions intersecting the first direction than the body 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and the separator 720 coupled to the body 712. The contact body 210 may extend in the first direction to contact the electrode tab 714 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700, the electrode tab 714 protruding more in one of the second directions.

[0062] Therefore, static electricity of the plurality of unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be effectively released through the contact body 210 extending in the first direction. Therefore, since the configuration of the electrode assembly can be simplified, the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the contact body 210 and the equipment for manufacturing the electrode assembly can be reduced.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 may protrude more toward one direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction than the body 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and the separator 720 coupled to the body 712. The contact body 210 may be disposed at one side of the electrode tab 714 of each of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 in the second direction, and contact the electrode tab 714 of each of the at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 in the second direction.

[0064] Therefore, since the contact body 210 contacts the protruding end (a side end in the second direction) of the electrode contact 714, that is, contacts the free end of the electrode contact 714, the electrode contact 714 will not be significantly damaged or deformed due to the pressure applied to the electrode contact 714 by the contact body 210 along the second direction.

[0065] In addition, the contact body 210 can easily contact or separate from the electrode tab 714 as needed while moving the contact body 210 in the second direction relative to the unit battery 700 and the magazine 100. Therefore, the operation of the unit battery supply unit 10 of the apparatus 1 for manufacturing an electrode assembly can be simplified and facilitated.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the body 712 of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 may include an overlapped portion P overlapping along the third direction with the electrode tab 714 coupled to the body 712 when vertically projected on any plane extending along the second direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. A distance D between the overlapped portion P of each of the at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 and the contact body 210 along the second direction may be shorter than a length L of the electrode tab 714 of each of the at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 along the second direction.

[0067] Therefore, the distance D between the contact body 210 and the body 712, between which the electrode tab 714 is located, can be shortened so that the contact body 210 can reliably contact the electrode tab 714. Therefore, since static electricity can be reliably discharged from the unit batteries 700 through the contact body 210, the unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably taken out and supplied individually.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a value obtained by subtracting the distance D from the length L may be greater than zero and equal to or less than 1 / 15 of the length L.

[0069] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contact body 210 from applying excessive pressure to the electrode tab 714. Therefore, when the contact body 210 reliably contacts the electrode tab 714, the electrode tab 714 is not damaged or deformed.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the contact body 210 and the electrode tab 714 may be made of the same material.

[0071] Therefore, even when the contact body 210 is in contact with the electrode tab 714 , foreign matter does not adhere to the electrode tab 714 .

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the contact body 210 may be grounded.

[0073] Therefore, since static electricity of the unit batteries 700 can be reliably discharged through the grounded contact body 210 , the unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually taken out and supplied.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the anti-static unit 200 may further include a blower-type ion generator 220 for removing static electricity from at least one of the one or more unit batteries 700 by generating ions and blowing ionized air containing the generated ions toward one or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the material box 100.

[0075] Therefore, since static electricity of the unit batteries 700 can be reliably removed through the contact body 210 and the blower type ion generator 220 , the unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually taken out and supplied.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a unit battery transport unit 50 may be further included, which takes out and transports a unit battery 700 disposed at one end in the first direction of one or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100. The blower type ion generator 220 may blow ionized air toward one unit battery 700 disposed at least at one end in the first direction among the one or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0077] Therefore, when the unit battery transport unit 50 takes out and transports the unit battery 700 disposed at one end (e.g., upper end) of the stacked one or more unit batteries 700 in the first direction, static electricity of at least one unit battery 700 disposed at one end of the stacked one or more unit batteries 700 in the first direction is removed by the blower type ion generator 220, so that the unit battery transport unit 50 can be prevented from taking out and transporting two or more unit batteries 700 disposed at one end of the one or more unit batteries 700. Therefore, the unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually taken out and supplied.

[0078] Each of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 may include a body 712 coupled to the one or more separators 720 in the first direction, and an electrode tab 714 coupled to the body 712, protruding from one end of the body 712 in the second direction toward one direction in the second direction, and protruding more in one direction in the second direction than the one or more separators 720 coupled to the body 712. The contact body 210 may be disposed at one side of the electrode tab 714 of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 in the second direction, and contact the electrode tab 714 of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700. The blower-type ion generator 220 may include: a first blower-type ion generator 222, which is arranged at one side of one or more unit cells 700 along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and blows ionized air toward one or more unit cells 700; a second blower-type ion generator 224, which is arranged at the other side of one or more unit cells 700 along the third direction, and blows ionized air toward one or more unit cells 700; and a third blower-type ion generator 226, which is arranged at the other side of one or more unit cells 700 along the second direction, and blows ionized air toward one or more unit cells 700.

[0079] Therefore, the first blower type ionizer 222 , the second blower type ionizer 224 , and the third blower type ionizer 226 partially surround one or more unit cells 700 and blow a large amount of ionized air toward the unit cells 700 from all directions, thereby effectively and reliably removing static electricity from one or more unit cells 700 .

[0080] In addition, since the blower type ion generator 220 is not disposed at one side of the unit cell 700 along the second direction, damage or deformation of the electrode tab 714 protruding from one end of the unit cell 700 along the second direction toward one direction in the second direction due to the blowing pressure of the ionized air can be prevented.

[0081] In addition, each electrode tab 714 of each unit cell 700 may protrude in one direction in the second direction, and the contact body 210 in contact with each electrode tab 714 of each unit cell 700 may be disposed at one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction. Therefore, static electricity of each unit cell 700 may be effectively released by the contact body 210 having a simple shape (e.g., a strip shape extending in the first direction) and a configuration (e.g., only one). Therefore, the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the contact body 210 and the equipment for manufacturing the electrode assembly may be reduced.

[0082] In addition, since each electrode tab 714 of each unit cell 700 can protrude in one direction in the second direction, it is sufficient that the blower type ion generator 220 is not disposed at one side of the unit cell 700 along the second direction to prevent damage or deformation of the electrode tab 714. That is, in addition to one side of the unit cell 700 along the second direction, the first blower type ion generator 222, the second blower type ion generator 224, and the third blower type ion generator 226 can be disposed at the other side of the unit cell 700 along the second direction and at one side and the other side of the unit cell 700 along the third direction. Therefore, the number of directions in which ionized air can be blown toward the unit cell 700 can be increased, and the amount of ionized air blown can be increased. Therefore, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively and reliably removed.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method of manufacturing an electrode assembly may include a unit cell supplying step of individually taking out and supplying the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. In the unit cell supplying step, the contact body 210 may contact the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 by contacting the contact body 210 with at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700.

[0084] Therefore, since the contact body 210 as a conductor is electrically connected to at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 (conductors) of each of the one or more unit cells 700 by contacting the one or more electrodes 710, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged. Therefore, since the static electricity of the unit cell 700 is effectively reduced, it is possible to prevent two or more unit cells 700 stacked in the material box 100 from being taken out and supplied at the same time. That is, it is possible to take out and supply one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the material box 100 separately. Therefore, it is possible to prevent manufacturing defects of the electrode assembly caused by taking out and transporting two or more unit cells 700, and it is possible to prevent the interruption of the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly caused by one or more unit cells 700 falling during transportation and blocking sensors such as cameras.

[0085] In addition to the above-mentioned beneficial effects, specific effects of the present invention will be further described while describing specific details of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] Figure 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly and unit batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 2 and Figure 3 They are schematically shown Figure 1 A perspective view and a plan view of a unit cell supply unit and unit cells of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

[0088] Figure 4 It is a specific diagram Figures 1 to 3 A side view of an embodiment of a unit cell.

[0089] Figure 5 and Figure 6 are a plan view and a perspective view schematically illustrating a cell supply unit and a cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] [Description of Reference Signs]

[0091] 1: Equipment for manufacturing electrode assemblies

[0092] 10: Cell battery supply unit

[0093] 100: Material box

[0094] 110: base 120: guide frame

[0095] 130: Lifting plate 140: Lifter column

[0096] 200: Anti-static unit

[0097] 210: Laminate 220: Blower type ionizer

[0098] 222: First blower type ion generator 224: Second blower type ion generator

[0099] 226: Third Blower Type Ion Generator

[0100] 50: Unit battery transport unit

[0101] 52: Suction unit 54: Transport frame

[0102] 700: unit cell 710: electrode

[0103] 712: Main body 714: Electrode tab

[0104] 720: Separator DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0105] The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art will be able to implement the technical concept of the present invention. When describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the prior art related to the present invention unnecessarily obscures the main points of the present invention, its detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same or similar parts.

[0106] Although "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various elements, these elements are certainly not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and unless explicitly stated otherwise, the first element may also be the second element.

[0107] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0108] Hereinafter, “arranging an element at the upper portion (or lower portion) of an element” or “arranging an element at the top (or bottom) of an element” means not only “arranging an element to be in contact with an upper surface (or lower surface)” but also “arranging an element above an upper surface (or lower surface) with another element interposed therebetween.”

[0109] In addition, when an element is described as being “connected to another element,” “coupled to another element,” or “in contact with another element,” it should be understood that the element may be “directly connected to another element,” “directly coupled to another element,” or “directly in contact with another element,” or the element may be “connected to another element,” “coupled to another element,” or “in contact with another element” in a manner with another element interposed between the element and the other element or via another element.

[0110] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the expression in the singular form used herein includes the expression in the plural form. The terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" used herein should not be interpreted as necessarily including all elements in the elements or all steps in the steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as excluding some elements in the elements or some steps in the steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0111] In addition, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the expression in the singular form used herein includes the expression in the plural form. Terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" used herein should not be interpreted as necessarily including all elements in the elements or all steps in the steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as excluding some elements in the elements or some steps in the steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0112] Figure 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly and a unit battery according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 and Figure 3 They are schematically shown Figure 1 A perspective view and a plan view of a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, Figure 4 It is a specific diagram Figures 1 to 3 A side view of an embodiment of a unit cell, and Figure 5 and Figure 6 are a plan view and a perspective view schematically illustrating a cell supply unit and a cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] [Cell]

[0114] Reference Figure 4 , the unit cell 700 may include one or more electrodes 710 and one or more separators 720. The one or more electrodes 710 and the one or more separators 720 may be alternately stacked along a first direction (eg, an upward direction and a downward direction) and may be coupled to each other along the first direction.

[0115] For example, the unit cell 700 may be Figure 4The half-cell shown in Figure 4 In addition, the unit cell 700 may be a battery having a configuration different from that of a half-cell and a single cell.

[0116] Here, the half-cell can be Figure 4 A battery in which a separator 720, an electrode 710 (eg, a negative electrode), and a separator 720 are sequentially stacked and combined with each other as shown in Figure 4 In contrast to the half-cell shown in , the single cell may be a cell in which a separator 720, an electrode 710 (eg, a negative electrode), the separator 720, and an electrode 710 (eg, a positive electrode) are sequentially stacked and combined with each other.

[0117] Meanwhile, an electrode assembly (not shown) may be manufactured, for example, by the following method.

[0118] A single cell laminate is manufactured by stacking a plurality of single cells in a first direction, and then a laminate (not shown) is completed by stacking another half cell on (e.g., on top of) the single cell laminate (not shown) in the first direction. Thereafter, an electrode assembly may be manufactured by wrapping and fixing the completed laminate with a tape.

[0119] As described above, the laminate is completed by stacking another half cell on the single cell laminate at one end of the single cell laminate along the first direction, so that the electrode 710 of the single cell of the single cell laminate at one end thereof along the first direction is prevented from contacting the battery box (not shown) accommodating the electrode assembly.

[0120] In addition, since only one half-cell is needed to manufacture one electrode assembly, a plurality of prefabricated half-cells can be stored for a long time. Figures 1 to 3 The unit cell 700 is as follows Figure 4 When the half-cell shown in FIG. 7 is formed, the unit cell 700 can be formed as follows: Figures 1 to 3 Therefore, due to static electricity generated during long-term storage, two or more half cells may be taken out from the magazine 100 at the same time and transported, which will be described later.

[0121] The electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 may include a body 712 and an electrode tab 714 ( Figure 4 ).

[0122] The body 712 may be coupled to the partition 720 along the first direction.

[0123] The electrode tab 714 may protrude more outward than the body 712 and the separator 720 coupled to the body 712. For example, the electrode tab 714 may protrude more (e.g., in the front direction) than the body 712 and the separator 720 coupled to the body 712 in one direction (e.g., the front direction) of the second directions (e.g., the front direction and the rear direction) intersecting the first direction. Figure 4 ).

[0124] Specifically, for example, the electrode tab 714 may be coupled to the body 712 and protrude from one end (eg, the front end) of the body 712 in one direction (eg, the front direction) in the second direction. Figure 4 ).

[0125] [Equipment for manufacturing electrode assemblies]

[0126] Reference Figure 1 , the apparatus 1 for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment may include a cell supply unit 10 and a cell transport unit 50. The cell transport unit 50 will be described first, and thereafter the cell supply unit 10 will be described.

[0127] [Unit battery transport unit]

[0128] For example, the cell transport unit 50 may take out and transport the cell 700 located at one end (e.g., the upper end) of the cell 700 stacked in the cell supply unit 10 in the cell transport unit 50 along one direction of a first direction (e.g., an upward direction and a downward direction).

[0129] The unit battery transport unit 50 may include a suction unit 52 and a transport frame 54 .

[0130] The suction unit 52 may move in the vertical direction. The suction unit 52 may be attracted to and lift the unit battery 700 located at one end of the stacked unit batteries 700 along the first direction. That is, the suction unit 52 may take out the unit battery 700 from the magazine 100.

[0131] The transport frame 54 may be coupled to the suction unit 52. The transport frame 54 may move in a horizontal direction. Thus, the unit cell 700 adsorbed to the suction unit 52 may leave the material box 100 and be transported to a predetermined position. Here, the predetermined position may be, for example, one end of a new laminate (not shown) having one or more unit cells 700 stacked for manufacturing a new electrode assembly in a first direction.

[0132] [Unit Battery Supply Unit According to Embodiment of the Present Invention]

[0133] Further references Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the unit battery supply unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a material box 100 and an anti-static unit 200. Hereinafter, the configuration of each of the material box 100 and the anti-static unit 200 will be described.

[0134] [Material box]

[0135] One or more unit batteries 700 may be stacked in the first direction in the magazine 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment, eight unit batteries 700 are stacked in the magazine 100 .

[0136] Specifically, for example, the magazine 100 may include a base 110 and a guide frame 120. In addition, the magazine 100 may further include an elevating plate 130 and an elevator column 140. The elevating plate 130 and the elevator column 140 may be optional.

[0137] The base 110 may constitute a foundation of the magazine 100. The guide frame 120, the lifting plate 130, and the lifter column 140 may be mounted on the base 110.

[0138] The guide frame 120 may be mounted on the base 110 and may extend in the first direction. The guide frame 120 may at least partially surround the outer periphery of the unit batteries 700 stacked on the base 110. The guide frame 120 may contact the outer periphery of the unit batteries 700.

[0139] For example, a plurality of guide frames 120 (four guide frames are shown in the figure) corresponding to the number of corners of the unit battery 700 may be provided. The guide frames 120 may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the corners of the unit battery 700, and may be disposed spaced apart from each other. The cross-section of the guide frame 120 may correspond to the edge shape of the unit battery 700 corresponding to each guide frame 120 (e.g., an "L-shaped" shape).

[0140] The guide frame 120 may guide the unit batteries 700 when inserting the unit batteries 700 into the magazine 100. Therefore, the unit batteries 700 may be stacked on the base 110 or the lifting plate 130 while being aligned and may maintain the alignment.

[0141] In addition, the guide frame 120 may at least partially surround the lifting plate 130. The guide frame 120 may guide the lifting and lowering of the lifting plate 130.

[0142] The lifting plate 130 may be disposed on the base 110 and may be lifted and lowered. One or more unit batteries 700 may be stacked on the lifting plate 130 in a first direction.

[0143] The lifter column 140 may be coupled to a lower end portion of the lift plate 130 and may be lifted and lowered. The lifter column 140 may lift and lower the lift plate 130.

[0144] The lifting plate 130 and the lifter column 140 may be adjusted in such a manner that the position (eg, height) of the unit cells 700 disposed at one end (eg, upper end) of the stacked one or more unit cells 700 in the first direction is constant.

[0145] [Antistatic unit]

[0146] The anti-static unit 200 may be disposed adjacent to the magazine 100. The anti-static unit 200 may remove static electricity from the unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0147] The anti-static unit 200 may include a contact body 210 ( Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0148] The contact body 210 may be made of a conductive material, for example, copper.

[0149] The contact body 210 may contact at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. Here, the contact body 210 may contact at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each unit cell in at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 to discharge static electricity from at least one of the one or more unit cells 700.

[0150] For example, Figures 1 to 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the contact body 210 can contact the eight unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100. Figures 1 to 3 Each of the eight unit cells 700 is as follows Figure 4 When the above-mentioned half-cell including one electrode 710 is shown in FIG, the contact body 210 may contact the electrode 710 of each of the eight unit cells (half-cells) 700 to discharge static electricity from one or more unit cells 700. Figures 1 to 3 The unit cell 700 is——with Figure 4 In contrast to the half-cell shown in FIG. 1 , when the above-mentioned single cell includes two electrodes 710 , the contact body 210 may contact one electrode 710 or two electrodes 710 of each of the eight unit cells (single cells) 700 to discharge static electricity from one or more unit cells 700 .

[0151] Therefore, the contact body 210 as a conductor contacts and electrically connects at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 (conductors) of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 to effectively discharge static electricity of the unit cells 700 .

[0152] Specifically, since the contact body 210 as a conductor is in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode 710 as a conductor, the static electricity of the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged. In addition, even when the separator 720 of the unit cell 700 is made of an insulating material different from the electrode 710, the static electricity of the separator 720 can be effectively discharged by the electrode 710 coupled to the separator 720. Therefore, even when the contact body 210 is in contact with the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700, the static electricity of the entirety of one or more unit cells 700 can be effectively discharged.

[0153] Therefore, since the static electricity of the unit battery 700 is effectively reduced, two or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the material box 100 can be prevented from being taken out at the same time. That is, it is possible to take out and supply one or more unit batteries 700 stacked in the material box 100 separately. Therefore, it is possible to prevent manufacturing defects of the electrode assembly due to simultaneous taking out and transportation of two or more unit batteries 700, and it is possible to prevent the interruption of the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly caused by one or more unit batteries 700 falling during transportation and blocking sensors such as cameras.

[0154] In particular, in the case where the unit cell 700 is a half-cell in which the separator 720, the electrode 710, and the separator 720 are stacked, the plurality of half-cells stacked in the magazine 100 can be individually taken out and transported from the magazine 100 even after long-term storage due to effective discharge of static electricity of the half-cells. Therefore, it is possible to prevent manufacturing defects of the electrode assembly caused by stacking two or more half-cells on a laminate having a plurality of stacked single cells, and by simultaneous taking out and transporting of two or more half-cells, wherein the separator 720, the electrode 710, the separator 720, and the electrode 710 are stacked in each of the plurality of stacked single cells. In addition, it is possible to prevent interruption of the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly caused by simultaneous taking out and transporting due to static electricity generated by two or more half-cells due to long-term storage, and by one or more half-cells falling during transportation to block sensors such as cameras.

[0155] The contact body 210 may contact at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of the unit battery 700 disposed at one end (e.g., upper end) along the first direction of the unit battery 700 stacked in the magazine 100. Here, the unit battery transport unit 50 may take out the unit battery 700 disposed at one end along the first direction of the unit battery 700 stacked in the magazine 100 as described above from the magazine 100 and transport it.

[0156] Therefore, in the case where the unit battery transport unit 50 takes out and transports the unit battery 700 disposed at one end (e.g., upper end) of the stacked unit batteries 700 in the first direction, it is possible to prevent two or more unit batteries 700 disposed at one end of the stacked unit batteries 700 in the first direction from being simultaneously taken out and transported because static electricity of at least the unit battery 700 disposed at one end of the stacked unit batteries 700 in the first direction is discharged by the contact body 210. Therefore, the unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually taken out and supplied.

[0157] The contact body 210 contacts at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 by contacting the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 to discharge static electricity.

[0158] For example, when Figures 1 to 3 Each of the eight unit cells 700 is as follows Figure 4 When the above-mentioned half cell including one electrode 710 is shown in FIG, the contact body 210 may contact the electrode 710 of each of the eight unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to discharge static electricity from one or more unit cells 700. Figures 1 to 3 The unit cell 700 is——with Figure 4 In contrast to the half-cell shown in FIG. 1 , when the above-mentioned single cell includes two electrodes 710 , the contact body 210 may contact one electrode 710 or two electrodes 710 of each of the eight unit cells (single cells) 700 to discharge static electricity from one or more unit cells 700 .

[0159] Therefore, the contact body 210 as a conductor can be simply and easily electrically connected to the electrode 710 by contacting the electrode tab 714 protruding outward. Therefore, since the structure of the contact body 210 can be simplified, the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the contact body 210 and the equipment for manufacturing the electrode assembly can be reduced.

[0160] The contact body 210 may contact the plurality of unit cells 700 by contacting an electrode tab 714 of each of at least one electrode of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 .

[0161] Here, the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one electrode of one or more electrodes 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 may protrude more in one direction (e.g., the front direction) of the second directions (e.g., the front direction and the rear direction) than the body 712 connected to the electrode tab 714 and the separator 720 coupled to the body 712.

[0162] The contact body 210 may extend in the first direction to contact the electrode tab 714 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 that protrudes more in one direction in the second direction ( Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0163] Therefore, static electricity of the plurality of unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be effectively released through the contact body 210 extending in the first direction. Therefore, since the configuration of the electrode assembly can be simplified, the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the contact body 210 and the equipment for manufacturing the electrode assembly can be reduced.

[0164] In the case where the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 as described above protrudes more in the second direction than the body 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and the separator 720 coupled to the body 712, the contact body 210 may be disposed at one side of the electrode tab 714 of each of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 in the second direction. In addition, the contact body 210 may contact the electrode tab 714 of each of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 in the second direction ( Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0165] Therefore, since the contact body 210 contacts the protruding end (a side end along the second direction) of the electrode contact 714, that is, contacts the free end of the electrode contact 714, the electrode contact 714 will not be significantly damaged or deformed due to the contact body 210 applying pressure to the electrode contact 714 along the second direction.

[0166] In addition, the contact body 210 can easily contact or separate from the electrode tab 714 as needed while moving the contact body 210 in the second direction relative to the unit battery 700 and the magazine 100. Therefore, the operation of the unit battery supply unit 10 of the apparatus 1 for manufacturing an electrode assembly can be simplified and facilitated.

[0167] Meanwhile, the body 712 of each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 may include an overlap portion P (φ) overlapping with the electrode tab 714 coupled to the body 712 in the third direction when vertically projected on any plane extending in the second direction and a third direction (left direction and right direction) intersecting the first direction and the second direction. Figure 3 ).

[0168] Here, the distance D ( Figure 3 ) may be greater than the length L (in the second direction) of the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one electrode of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one unit cell of the one or more unit cells 700. Figure 4 )short.

[0169] Therefore, the distance D between the contact body 210 and the body 712, between which the electrode tab 714 is located, can be shortened so that the contact body 210 can reliably contact the electrode tab 714. Therefore, since static electricity can be reliably discharged from the unit batteries 700 through the contact body 210, the unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably taken out and supplied individually.

[0170] The value obtained by subtracting the distance D from the length L may be greater than zero and equal to or less than 1 / 15 of the length L. For example, when the length L of the electrode tab 714 of the electrode 710 along the second direction is 15 mm (millimeter), the distance D between the overlapping portion P and the contact body 210 along the second direction may be less than 15 mm (millimeter) and equal to or greater than 14 mm (millimeter).

[0171] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contact body 210 from applying excessive pressure to the electrode tab 714. Therefore, when the contact body 210 reliably contacts the electrode tab 714, the electrode tab 714 is not damaged or deformed.

[0172] The contact body 210 and the electrode tab 714 may be made of the same material. For example, when the electrode tab 714 is made of copper, the contact body 210 may also be made of copper.

[0173] Therefore, even when the contact body 210 is in contact with the electrode tab 714 , foreign matter does not adhere to the electrode tab 714 .

[0174] The contact body 210 may be grounded ( Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0175] Therefore, since static electricity of the unit batteries 700 can be reliably discharged through the grounded contact body 210 , the unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually taken out and supplied.

[0176] [Unit Battery Supply Unit According to Another Embodiment of the Present Invention]

[0177] Further references Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the unit battery supply unit 10 may include: Figures 1 to 3 The material box 100 and the anti-static unit 200 shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3 The differences are shown in .

[0178] The anti-static unit 200 may further include a blower type ion generator 220 .

[0179] The blower type ion generator 220 generates ions and blows ionized air containing the generated ions toward the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to remove static electricity from the unit cells 700 .

[0180] Therefore, static electricity of the unit batteries 700 can be reliably removed through the contact body 210 and the blower type ion generator 220 , so that the unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually taken out and supplied.

[0181] The blower type ion generator 220 may blow ionized air toward one unit cell 700 disposed at least at one end in the first direction among the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. At this time, the unit cell transport unit 50 may take out from the magazine 100 and transport the unit cell 700 disposed at one end in the first direction of the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 as described above.

[0182] Therefore, when the unit battery transport unit 50 takes out and transports the unit battery 700 disposed at one end (e.g., upper end) of the stacked one or more unit batteries 700 in the first direction, static electricity of one unit battery 700 disposed at at least one end in the first direction among the stacked one or more unit batteries 700 is removed by the blower type ion generator 220, so that the unit battery transport unit 50 can be prevented from taking out and transporting two or more unit batteries 700 disposed at one end of the one or more unit batteries 700. Therefore, the unit batteries 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually taken out and supplied.

[0183] At the same time, as described above, the electrode 710 of the unit battery 700 may include: a body 712, which is coupled to the separator 720 along a first direction; and an electrode tab 714, which is connected to the body 712 and protrudes outward from one end (e.g., a front end) of the body 712 along one direction (e.g., a front direction) in the second direction more than the separator 720 coupled to the body 712.

[0184] Here, the contact body 210 may be disposed at one side (eg, front side) of the electrode tab 714 of each of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of at least one of the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 along the second direction.

[0185] In addition, the contact body 210 may contact the electrode tab 714 of each of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the at least one unit cell among the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the cartridge 100. Here, "at least one unit cell among the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the cartridge 100" may refer to all the unit cells 700 stacked in the cartridge 100, and "one or more electrodes 710 of each of the at least one unit cell among the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the cartridge 100" may refer to all the electrodes 710 of all the unit cells 700.

[0186] In addition, the blower type ionizer 220 may include a first blower type ionizer 222 , a second blower type ionizer 224 , and a third blower type ionizer 226 .

[0187] The first blower type ion generator 222 may be disposed at one side (eg, left side) of the one or more unit cells 700 in the third direction (eg, left and right directions) described above, and blow ionized air toward the one or more unit cells 700 .

[0188] The second blower type ion generator 224 may be disposed at the other side (eg, the right side) of the one or more unit cells 700 in the third direction and blow ionized air toward the unit cells 700 .

[0189] The third blower type ionizer 226 may be disposed at the other side (eg, rear side) of the one or more unit cells 700 in the second direction and blow ionized air toward the unit cells 700 .

[0190] Therefore, the first blower type ionizer 222 , the second blower type ionizer 224 , and the third blower type ionizer 226 partially surround one or more unit cells 700 and blow a large amount of ionized air toward the unit cells 700 from all directions, thereby effectively and reliably removing static electricity from one or more unit cells 700 .

[0191] In addition, since the blower type ion generator 220 is not disposed at one side of the unit cell 700 along the second direction, damage or deformation of the electrode tab 714 protruding from one end of the unit cell 700 along the second direction toward one direction in the second direction due to the blowing pressure of the ionized air can be prevented.

[0192] In addition, each electrode tab 714 of each unit cell 700 may protrude in one direction in the second direction, and the contact body 210 in contact with each electrode tab 714 of each unit cell 700 may be disposed at one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction. Therefore, static electricity of each unit cell 700 may be effectively released by the contact body 210 having a simple shape (e.g., a strip shape extending in the first direction) and a configuration (e.g., only one). Therefore, the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the contact body 210 and the equipment for manufacturing the electrode assembly may be reduced.

[0193] In addition, since each electrode tab 714 of each unit cell 700 can protrude in one direction in the second direction, it is sufficient that the blower type ion generator 220 is not disposed at one side of the unit cell 700 along the second direction to prevent damage or deformation of the electrode tab 714. That is, in addition to one side of the unit cell 700 along the second direction, the first blower type ion generator 222, the second blower type ion generator 224, and the third blower type ion generator 226 can be disposed at the other side of the unit cell 700 along the second direction and at one side and the other side of the unit cell 700 along the third direction. Therefore, the number of directions in which ionized air can be blown toward the unit cell 700 can be increased, and the amount of ionized air blown can be increased. Therefore, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively and reliably removed.

[0194] [Method for manufacturing electrode assembly]

[0195] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly using the above-mentioned apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly may include a unit cell supplying step.

[0196] In the unit cell supplying step, the contact body 210 may make contact with the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one electrode of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700 .

[0197] Therefore, since the contact body 210 as a conductor is electrically connected to at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 (conductors) of each of the one or more unit cells 700 by contacting the one or more electrodes 710, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged. Therefore, since the static electricity of the unit cell 700 is effectively reduced, it is possible to prevent two or more unit cells 700 stacked in the material box 100 from being taken out and supplied at the same time. That is, it is possible to take out and supply one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the material box 100 separately. Therefore, it is possible to prevent manufacturing defects of the electrode assembly caused by taking out and transporting two or more unit cells 700, and it is possible to prevent the interruption of the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly caused by one or more unit cells 700 falling during transportation and blocking sensors such as cameras.

[0198] In addition, the contact body 210 may contact one or more electrodes 710 of one unit cell 700 disposed at at least one end (eg, an upper end) in the first direction among one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 .

[0199] In addition, the contact body 210 may contact one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 by contacting the contact body 210 with the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one electrode of one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700 .

[0200] In addition, the contact body 210 may contact the electrode tab 714 of each of at least one electrode of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700 in the second direction.

[0201] Here, the contact body 210 may contact each of at least one of the one or more electrodes 710 along the second direction so that a distance D ( Figure 3 ) may be greater than the length L ( L ) of the electrode tab 714 of each electrode of at least one electrode of the one or more electrodes 710 of each unit cell of the one or more unit cells 700 along the second direction. Figure 4 )short.

[0202] Additionally, the contact body 210 may be grounded.

[0203] In addition, by operating the blower type ion generator 220 , ions may be generated and ionized air containing the generated ions may be blown toward the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 .

[0204] The above-described embodiments are to be understood in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be indicated by the claims to be described later rather than the detailed description given above. In addition, all changes and modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the equivalent concepts and the patent claims to be described later should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0205] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrative drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Obviously, changes may occur. In addition, although the operational effects of the configuration according to the present invention are not explicitly described and explained when explaining the above embodiments of the present invention, it is naturally also recognized that the predictable effects caused by the configuration are also recognized.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising: A unit battery supply unit (10), comprising: a material box (100) having one or more unit batteries (700) stacked in a first direction; and an antistatic unit (200) arranged adjacent to the material box (100) and removing static electricity from at least one of the one or more unit batteries (700) stacked in the material box (100); and a unit battery transport unit (50) that takes out from the magazine (100) and transports the one or more unit batteries (700) stacked in the magazine (100), wherein each of the one or more unit cells (700) includes one or more electrodes (710) and one or more separators (720) alternately stacked along the first direction and coupled to each other along the first direction, The antistatic unit (200) comprises a contact body (210) made of a conductive material, the contact body (210) being in contact with the one or more unit batteries (700) stacked in the material box (100) and being in contact with the electrode tabs (714) of the one or more electrodes (710) of each unit battery in the one or more unit batteries (700) to discharge static electricity in the unit batteries (700). The electrode tab (714) of each of the at least one electrode of the one or more electrodes (710) of each of the at least one unit cell of the one or more unit cells (700) protrudes in one of the second directions intersecting the first direction, and The contact body (210) is arranged at one side of the electrode contact piece (714) along the second direction.

2. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The unit battery transport unit (50) takes out the unit batteries (700) stacked at one end of the magazine (100) along the first direction from the magazine (100) and transports them, The one or more unit batteries (700) include a unit battery (700) at one end portion along the first direction among the one or more unit batteries (700) stacked in the magazine (100).

3. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the one or more electrodes (710) of each of the one or more unit cells in the one or more unit cells (700) includes: a body (712), the body (712) being coupled to the one or more separators (720) along the first direction; and an electrode tab (714), the electrode tab (714) being connected to the body (712) and protruding more than the body (712) and the one or more separators (720) coupled to the body (712) in one of the second directions.

4. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one unit cell among the one or more unit cells (700) is a plurality of unit cells (700), and The contact body (210) extends along the first direction to contact the electrode tab (714) of each unit cell among the plurality of unit cells (700), and the electrode tab (714) protrudes more than the body (712) and the one or more separators (720) along the one direction in the second direction.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The contact body (210) contacts the electrode tab (714) of each of the at least one electrode of the one or more electrodes (710) of each of the at least one unit cell of the one or more unit cells (700) along the second direction.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The body (712) of each of the at least one electrode in the one or more electrodes (710) of each of the at least one unit cell in the one or more unit cells (700) includes, when vertically projected onto any plane extending along the second direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, an overlapping portion (P) overlapping the electrode tab (714) connected to the body (712) along the third direction, and A distance (D) along the second direction between the overlapping portion (P) of each of the at least one electrode of the one or more electrodes (710) of each of the at least one unit cell in the one or more unit cells (700) and the contact body (210) is shorter than a length (L) along the second direction of the electrode tab (714) of each of the at least one electrode of the one or more electrodes (710) of each of the at least one unit cell in the one or more unit cells (700).

7. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 6, wherein: A value obtained by subtracting the distance (D) from the length (L) is greater than zero and equal to or less than 1 / 15 of the length (L).

8. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The contact body (210) and the electrode tab (714) are made of the same material.

9. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The contact body (210) is grounded.

10. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The anti-static unit (200) further includes a blower-type ion generator (220) for removing static electricity from at least one of the one or more unit batteries (700) by generating ions and blowing ionized air containing the generated ions toward the one or more unit batteries (700) stacked in the magazine (100).

11. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The unit battery transport unit (50) takes out from the magazine (100) and transports a unit battery (700) disposed at one end of the one or more unit batteries (700) stacked in the magazine (100) along the first direction, and The blower-type ion generator (220) blows the ionized air toward at least the one unit cell (700) disposed at one end of the one or more unit cells (700) stacked in the magazine (100) along the first direction.

12. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The blower type ion generator (220) comprises: a first blower type ion generator (222), which is arranged at one side of the one or more unit cells (700) along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and blows the ionized air toward the one or more unit cells (700); a second blower type ion generator (224), which is arranged at the other side of the one or more unit cells (700) along the third direction, and blows the ionized air toward the one or more unit cells (700); and a third blower type ion generator (226), which is arranged at the other side of the one or more unit cells (700) along the second direction, and blows the ionized air toward the one or more unit cells (700).

13. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: a unit cell supplying step of individually taking out and supplying the one or more unit cells (700) stacked in the magazine (100), Wherein, in the unit cell supplying step, the contact body (210) contacts the electrode tab (714) of each electrode of at least one of the one or more electrodes (710) of each unit cell in at least one unit cell in the one or more unit cells (700).

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